Plans Formed Long Ago

Sometimes, it takes many years for a prayer to be answered and interestingly, when we cry out to God, sometimes, we aren’t even aware of how amazingly He will answer in His time. Such was the case in 1988 when the first Messianic Jewish Conference took place in Jerusalem, a conference to celebrate Israel’s 40th year of independence.

As preparations were being made for the conference, the planners ran into a difficult and seemingly insurmountable problem. In searching for a motel to house the attendees, not one hotel would house such an event for Messianic Jews. Beyond that dilemma, the event was planned on the Biblical holiday of Shavuot and on a Sabbath Eve when it would be against the law to use any electrical equipment. No microphones, loudspeakers or musical instruments allowed.

One hotel, the Diplomat hotel, who was filing for bankruptcy, didn’t care about the law and agreed to host the event. Quickly, the hotel filled with guest registrations. Finally, an overflow hotel was needed for 50 Hondurans. Eden hotel, located down the street served that purpose.

The evening of the event arrived with hundreds in attendance. After a passionate teaching by Dr. Michael Brown, the Spirit fell on the congregation with many praying in tongues until the wee hours of the morning.

While seemingly nothing notable came out of the prayer time that night, by faith, many felt they had seriously impacted heaven in the spirit.

Now, jump ahead 30 years to 2018, the 70th anniversary of Israel’s independence. The U.S. is moving their embassy to Jerusalem, Israel’s capital. After TV coverage of the building that would be the temporary embassy, they noted two other buildings that would be used for added space. Yes, you guessed it. The Diplomat Hotel and the Eden Hotel that had housed the Hondurans.

So, what do you think? Could God’s ultimate purpose in bringing together the first Messianic Jewish conference in Jerusalem have been for what is happening today in the restoration of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the relocation of the U.S embassy to Jerusalem? By the way, Honduras is the third nation to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Never underestimate the power of prayer.

Isaiah 25:1 “O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.”

About Betsy

Betsy Tacchella is the author of “Come Walk the Narrow Path with Me,” “Mother Has Alzheimer’s,” and “Speak to Me, Lord, I’m Listening.” She lives in Michigan with her husband of fifty years, has three children and nine grandchildren. Betsy has been teaching the Bible for over forty years and has a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies from Trinity Theological Seminary. She also mentors women and does public speaking.